Refugee Integration Senior Policy Officer - B3

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. Expressions of interest are invited for the role of B3 Refugee Integration Senior Policy Officer in the Asylum & Refugee Integration Unit; Refugees, Resettlement and Asylum Division; Equality, Inclusion & Human Rights Directorate.

The Asylum and Ending Destitution Together Strategy Team is part of the Asylum & Refugee Integration Unit (A&RI unit). The team is made up of one C1, three B3s, two B2s and a B1 (who works across the unit). The team works as part of the wider unit to achieve the vision of a welcoming Scotland where refugees and people seeking asylum are able to rebuild their lives from the day they arrive, as set out in the New Scots refugee integration strategy.

The team leads on asylum policy, the Ending Destitution Together strategy, arrivals through the Gaza medevac scheme and a range of other policy areas in support of the New Scots Refugee Integration strategy and delivery plan. The postholder will lead on several high-profile areas of work that require regular updates to be provided to Ministers but is also expected to work flexibly in picking up new responsibilities as new issues emerge.

The team regularly responds to a high volume of reactive work, and the post holder will have the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of tasks to develop their skills and experiences at B3 level. We are a friendly and welcoming team, and we value learning and development, supporting staff to grow their experience and reach their full potential.

The role combines a mix of policy and operational duties. The post-holder will lead on policy work regarding access to legal aid and support to reduce housing pressures as a result of the UK’s asylum system. These projects include a mix of stakeholder management, grant management and secretariat work to progress the issues and both have scope for the post-holder to shape the work.

In 2025, Scotland welcomed 10 families through the Gaza medevac scheme and a further 10 families are expected to arrive during Autumn 2026. The postholder will be part of a small team within SG to ensure all planning is in place for the evacuations. Additional bespoke project/policy work may be identified during the year depending on changes in UK policy and new emerging issues within Scotland so flexibility and a can-do approach are essential.

Key responsibilities

Coordinate work to identify barriers to refugees and people seeking asylum accessing legal aid, including providing secretariat support to a working group established to assess barriers, ensuring effective engagement and delivery of agreed outputs. Support work relating to reducing housing pressures in Glasgow, including providing secretariat support to the Glasgow Refugee Housing Coordination Group, facilitating coordinated action across partners and managing three grants established to contribute to this workstream.

Support delivery of the Gaza Medevac response, including monitoring progress across local authorities hosting Gazan families, identifying emerging risks and supporting issue resolution, engaging with UK Government on plans for future arrivals and drafting and providing ministerial updates. Undertaking other bespoke project or policy work in response to new issues that emerge as part of the team’s coordinated work to support refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland.

Deliver effective support to Ministers, including providing official support at ministerial meetings, drafting briefings, responding to commissions, PQs, FOIs and other relevant business. Experience: Experience of producing clear, concise and high-quality written work. Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively as part of a small team and to build relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior officials and Ministers.

Good planning and organisational skills with the ability to work flexibly to manage a varied workload to meet competing deadlines. Attention to detail and the ability to concisely summarise complex information. Working pattern This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment until August 2027. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave.

Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. How to Apply Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 20 October. If you have questions about your application please contact kirsty.legrice@gov.scot or billy.mckenzie@gov.scot Selection Process All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.